Why serve people in faraway places as a career missionary? Why should you believe God and sell all that you have to give yourself totally to serve Him? Why labor in difficult places to bring unreached language groups of people to faith in Christ and equip them to plant thriving churches in other places?

Because God said…

This is the only reason that will stand the test of time and experience. Hearing God’s word, believing Him, and taking action in accordance with what He has said is the foundation for endurance in serving Him. God, through His message to people, the Holy Bible, has a lot to say about why. (On this topic, this page is not anywhere near exhaustive.)

Because of who God is

God is good. (Psalm 119:68; Exodus 34:6; Psalm 145:9) God is the standard of good. (Mark 10:18) His goodness is learned and taught. (Psalm 25:8) He is worthy of honor. (Revelation 4:11)

Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. — Revelation 4:11

Because of God’s plan and priorities

God’s plan is that all the peoples and families of the earth should praise Him. (Psalm 22:27) He had a plan for us before He created the earth, sun, moon, and stars. (Ephesians 1:4) He created us to fulfill His good purposes. (Ephesians 2:10) God’s earthly Kingdom is coming (Matthew 6:10), and He has priorities for us — seeking them first is better. (Matthew 6:33)

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. — Matthew 28:19-20

Because love tells

Loving God necessitates that we tell others about Him. (Matthew 22:37) Loving people requires that we tell them of the God who is our greatest treasure. (Matthew 22:39) God values every language group (Psalm 67:2), and every language group will be among the redeemed.

For thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. — Revelation 5:9

Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17), God’s word is heard from messengers, and messengers are sent by those who have heard.

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? — Romans 10:14-15

Because there is accountability

There is accountability for what we do with what we have been given. (Luke 12:47-48; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ecclesiastes 12:14) The quality of your work matters — every man’s work shall be tried by fire, and work that abides receives a reward. (1 Corinthians 3:10-15) You will choose a master: no man can serve two. (Matthew 6:24) Obeying God and loving the world are opposites — the world passes away, but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. (1 John 2:15-17)

Because there is reward

Your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58) You will harvest what you plant, so plant good. (Galatians 6:7-9) God pays attention to our investments — “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) There is a promised crown of life (James 1:12), a prize in Christ (Philippians 3:14), and return on investment. (Luke 6:38) Good things are coming that eye hath not seen. (1 Corinthians 2:9) God will repay each person according to what they have done. (Romans 2:6-7)

Because God provides

God alone is your provider. Consider the ravens and the lilies — if God so clothes the grass of the field, how much more will He clothe you? (Luke 12:22-32; Matthew 6:25-34) Worrying doesn’t provide; trust God. You are valuable to God. (Matthew 6:26-30) Treasure on earth can be stored in heaven — where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Luke 12:33-36) God is able to keep His promises (Romans 4:21), and you cannot please God unless you believe Him. (Hebrews 11:6)

Where this leads